Despite its historical liberties, U-571 is praised for its technical execution and suspenseful storytelling:

The film is frequently cited as a masterpiece of sound design, using surround sound to simulate the claustrophobic and terrifying environment of a submarine under depth-charge attack.

While U-571 may not be a reliable history lesson, it remains a gripping example of the "silent service" sub-genre, highlighting the bravery of submariners and the critical importance of cryptography in modern warfare. How Much Should We Teach the Enigma Machine?